Israel's Arab citizens, seething over the police killing of 13 brethren in pro-Palestinian protests last October, take to the streets again on Friday for annual Land Day demonstrations for civil rights.
The rallies in Arab towns and villages within the Jewish state held the potential for further violence while Israel remains locked in conflict with Palestinians waging a six-month-old uprising in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Siding with long-time ally Israel on Thursday, the United States accused Palestinian President Yasser Arafat of failing to end the cycle of bloodshed that began six months ago after unsuccessful U.S.-sponsored efforts to forge a final peace deal.
"The signal I am sending to the Palestinians is stop the violence and I can't make it any more clear," President George Bush told a news conference.
"I hope that Chairman Arafat hears it loud and clear. He's going to hear it again on the telephone today," Bush said in a clear rebuke to the Palestinian leader.
Secretary of State Colin Powell made the point in a telephone call to Arafat later, a day after Israeli helicopter gunships attacked Palestinian security targets in the West Bank and Gaza in retaliation for bombings by Islamic militants.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa said the conversation focused on "the dangerous situation in which Palestinians live as a result of the military escalation."
Bureau Report